Donating particular you no longer need is a great style to declutter your home and help others , but not everything go in a donation bin . Some items are insanitary , unsafe , or simply unusable , and donating them can make more job than solutions .

Before you throw away off a box at your local thrift storage or Greek valerian , agree this list of XX thing you should never donate — and better slipway to dispose of them instead .

1. Used Undergarments and Socks

While softly used clothing is always apprise , underwear and air-sleeve are a no - go for most donation centers due to hygiene worry . Even if they ’ve been washed , most place wo n’t consent them .

What to do or else :

2. Broken or Damaged Electronics

If your old television or laptop computer does n’t mold , donation center ca n’t resell or repair it — they’ll just cast it away . vitamin E - dissipation is a vast trouble , and dumping electronics improperly can be harmful to the environs .

3. Expired Food

solid food banks love donations , but expired or candid food ca n’t be disseminate for safety intellect . Even can trade good can foul up over time if they ’re past their expiration date .

4. Used Mattresses and Box Springs

Most Polemonium caeruleum wo n’t accept used mattress due to hygienics issues and the risk of bottom bugs . Even if yours looks clean , many donation centers are de jure forbid from accepting them .

5. Cribs, Car Seats, and Strollers (If They’re Outdated)

Baby gear safety standards switch frequently , and older cribs , railway car seats , and strollers may no longer meet regulations . Many donation kernel wo n’t accept them due to safety risks .

6. Opened or Expired Medicine

Medication contribution programs exist , but they only accept plastered , unexpired Cartesian product . assailable or expired medication is a safety risk and should never be donated .

7. Used Makeup and Skincare Products

Even if it ’s barely used , make-up and skincare item can harbor bacteria and cause infections . Most contribution centers wo n’t take over them , even if they ’re high - remnant brands .

8. VHS Tapes and Cassette Players

Most thrift stores do n’t accept outdated media formats like VHS tape , cassettes , or previous compact disc because nobody bribe them anymore . They just end up in landfills .

9. Large Furniture That’s in Poor Condition

If a sofa is ripped , stained , or smells bad , donation centers ca n’t sell it . They ’ll just have to pay for disposal , which hurts their resources .

10. Old Pillows and Bedding

Even if they look clean , used pillows and bedding can hold dust mites , sweat , and bacteria — making them unsuitable for resale .

11. Outdated or Broken Holiday Decorations

If your Christmas light only half work or your decorations are fall apart , donation centers do n’t want them .

12. Medical Equipment (Without Checking First)

Some contribution centers wo n’t accept used medical supplies due to sanitation laws . thing like wheelchairs , walkers , and CPAP machine must be properly inspected before reuse .

13. Books That Are Damaged or Outdated

While books are usually a great contribution , ones that are moldy , torn , or outdated ( like older textbook and cyclopaedia ) are n’t utilitarian to most charities .

  • This article was make with the aid of AI .